Domäne Wachau - Riesling Smaragd 'Achleiten' 2022

Craftsmanship, terroir, and precision are the key values of Domäne Wachau under the leadership of Roman Horvath MW and Heinz Frischengruber. Respect for nature and the soil dominates the vignerons’ hard work in the steep vineyards. With over 160 hectares of organic vineyards, Domäne Wachau is Austria’s leading wine estate with organically cultivated vines. Organized into small parcels and worked mainly by hand, each vigneron cultivates less than two hectares on average — allowing them to focus on the needs of the individual plot. The wines from grand single vineyards (ried) such as Achleiten, Brandstatt, and Kellerberg reflect their unique origins and deliver a distinctive puristic style, with both depth and freshness. This is a next generation wine cooperative, as found nowhere else on Earth.

Due to the meagre soil of the Achleiten vineyard, the cultivation of Riesling is characterized by reduced yields. The grapes for this Smaragd are harvested in several passages and according to strict selection criteria. After a few hours of maceration on the skins, grapes are gently pressed. After fermentation (partly spontaneously) in stainless steel tanks, the wine is aged in large wooden casks after initial time in steel tanks. Ageing on the fine lees provides precise nuances and additional depth.

"Supple and attractive, it shows tropical fruit, citrus and mineral aromas and flavors. The wine is beautifully balanced, with rich, velvety texture built around a firm backbone of acidity. A mineral crunch adds charm on the long finish." - 91 Points, Wine Enthusiast 

Producer: Freie Weingärtner Wachau / Domäne Wachau

Country: Austria

Region: Niederösterreich

Varietal: Riesling

Appellation: Niederösterreich

Vintage: 2022

Size: 750ml